MANILA — Joshua Garcia and Ivana Alawi got their first look at "Love Is Never Gone" on Tuesday, with both stars saying the series’ opening episode plays out “like a movie.”
After the screening, the cast and creative team, including directors Emmanuel Palo and Jojo Saguin and writer Ayi Tamayo, spoke to entertainment media about the series.
Joshua Garcia and Ivana Alawi. Screen grab: YouTube/ ABS-CBN Entertainment
"Masaya ako for everyone. Speechless ako, hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko. Ang ganda, pero kung ano 'yung napanood niyo naka-fast cut 'yon. So kapag napanood natin 'yon sa Prime mas kumpleto, mas ramdam natin 'yung bawat eksena," Garcia said.
"Maganda, sobrang ganda. Actually kanina habang pinapanood ko sabi ko, 'grabe, parang pelikula. First episode pa lang ng 'Love Is Never Gone,' ang dating niya ay parang movie, para kang nanood, ganoon siya kapuno. It's full of action, ang daming mapapanood," Alawi added.
Directors Palo and Saguin said the series stands out for its cinematography, action sequences, locations and the on-screen chemistry between Garcia and Alawi.
Set in Morocco, "Love Is Never Gone" blends romance and suspense and marks the first teleserye pairing of Garcia and Alawi.
It follows the story of Teo (Garcia), a devoted son who dreams of a better life for his family. Teo falls victim to Yana (Alawi), a cunning thief known as the "Chameleon," and soon learns that she steals out of desperation to care for her sick mother.
Yana's ties to a crime syndicate then lead to betrayal and Teo's wrongful imprisonment, leaving him convinced that she destroyed him.
Writer Tamayo described the story as a blend of familiar themes and new elements, calling it “a classic.”
"Kasi kahit na shinoot ito sa Morocco sa bansang hindi pa natin napuntahan, parang it's very important na 'yung main character niya ay nandoon na Pinoy, na pinanood natin ay nararamdaman pa rin natin 'yung pagka-Pinoy niya. OFWs 'di ba marami? So parang we resonate with Teo's (Joshua) character, we understand Yana's (Ivana) character at 'yung mga Pinoy na nandoon," Tamayo said.
For Garcia and Alawi, it was an easy yes for them when they were offered to do the project because of its story and the creators.
"Direk Manny 'yan," Garcia said.
"Noong sinabi 'yung kwento na it's action, love, sabi ko 'yes.' Tapos isho-shoot daw sa abroad, sabi ko 'bongga.' First time ko kasi 'yon, tapos sinabi direk Manny ay natakot ako," added Alawi.
Also part of the cast are Jameson Blake, Jane Oineza, Michael de Mesa, Epy Quizon, Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra, and Ara Mina.
Exclusively available on Prime Video, "Love Is Never Gone" will premiere on May 8.
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